Quinn's strong record in his two years with Seattle won over the Falcons, who have struggled on defense while finishing a combined 10-22 the past two seasons. The Falcons allowed the most total yards and yards passing in the league this season.

The Seahawks led the NFL in scoring defense, total defense and takeaways while winning the Super Bowl last season. Quinn's defense shined in the Super Bowl win over Peyton Manning and the Broncos. He previously was defensive line coach for the Seahawks, 49ers, Dolphins and Jets.

Seattle ranked sixth in total defense this season.

Quinn was endorsed by Seahawks coach Pete Carroll.

"He's had a great history," Carroll said recently. "He's a great communicator. He's a fantastic teacher. He's got a real toughness about him — innovative. He has all of the attributes of being a successful guy moving forward so when that time comes we will expect to see him land one of those jobs and we will look forward to playing against him."

Carroll said Quinn has "tremendous relationships wherever he's been around the league. He's been a guy that wherever he goes people rave about. We feel the same way."

Quinn was the University of Florida's defensive coordinator in 2011-12 before taking over the Seahawks' defense.

Smith had a 66-46 regular-season record in seven seasons, including two NFC South titles. He had winning seasons in each of his first five years with the team — bringing instant relevance to a franchise which previously had never enjoyed back-to-back winning seasons.

The Falcons, however, struggled in the postseason under Smith, winning only one of five playoff games.